Astros notes: Clemens honored with Class A award

Veteran scout Deutsch retires after 27 years

Published 5:00 am, Sunday, September 27, 2009

Koby Clemens honored

With his father shooting video nearby and his mother Debbie also on the field, Roger Clemens' eldest son, Koby, was honored Saturday as the Class A Lancaster Most Valuable Player.

Nobody in the Astros organization — minors or majors — had more RBIs or a higher batting average this year than Clemens, who hit .345 with 22 home runs, 45 doubles and 121 RBIs.

Clemens served as designated hitter, caught and played left field.

“It feels great,” the California League All-Star said. “I can definitely smell it (the majors). I still have some areas to improve to make my way up here, but it definitely makes it feel closer coming up here and getting awarded, and seeing all these guys out here makes me want to get here that much quicker.”

Clemens, 22, is no stranger to Minute Maid Park, a stadium and clubhouse he visited often while his father helped lead the franchise to its biggest triumphs as the club won a postseason series for the first time in 2004 and then reached the World Series for the first time in 2005.

“It's always fun coming up here and seeing all the faces and old friends,” Clemens said. “And like I was saying, remembering the great memories we had those years my dad was playing here at the stadium in the playoffs and stuff. It was awesome. It's also good to see Tommy (Manzella) and Chris (Johnson) up here playing. Those are guys that I played with in the minors. It's always good to see those guys.”

Deutsch recognized

Doug Deutsch, who is retiring after 27 years of scouting, received recognition by the Astros before Saturday's game for his 24 years of service.

The club's former West Coast supervisor, Deutsch signed at least 10 big leaguers.

“I've had more than that, but that's all I can think of and that's the only ones that really make any difference, the ones that have been relatively recent,” he said. “Probably one of the greatest thrills in my life was when I got to stand right out here and take a picture with Kirk Saarloos, Jason Lane, Morgan Ensberg and Mike Gallo, all of which were on the Houston Astros club at one time.

“That was probably one of the greatest things that ever happened to me before this. This is awesome. This is just fantastic. I had three great years with Kansas City. I would love to have had it been 27 years with Houston. I think that's the way it is. You shouldn't change colors, but that's the way it worked out.”

Deutsch was the area scout who recommended shortstop Jiovanni Mier, the Astros' first-round pick in June. Ensberg, Lane, Mike Burns, David Matranga, Gallo and Andy Mota reached the majors with the Astros after they were signed by Deutsch. John Buck, Mitch Talbot and Don August were other major leaguers Deutsch signed.

Deutsch, 69, wants to spend time with his wife of 46 years, Linda, who was joined by 23 other relatives at Minute Maid Park to see him honored.

“It's her turn now,” he said. “She let me go for 27 years.”

Cruz returns

Jose Cruz rejoined the club one day after the first-base coach called in sick.

“I feel a little better,” he said. “I'm still a bit weak, but I'll be OK.”

Coming up

The Astros will play their final home game of the year at 1:05 p.m. today against the Cincinnati Reds.